How to Play Guitar Solos

Playing a solo on an instrument can be an exhilarating and exciting experience if you are prepared and ready for the challenge. The guitar can be difficult to play in a way that is impressive to others because it is so widely played. However, you can follow some basic steps to play a guitar solo and make your performance stand out from the rest.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Decide whether you have enough adequate training to perform a solo confidently. Distinguish whether you will need to go in search of a private tutor or formal education in music; find a knowledgeable teacher who can help you objectively practice the solo music you will be performing.

2. Listen to many guitar soloists to get a feel for different styles that you find appealing.

3. Memorize the music that you have to play for your solo. Make sure that you can play everything leading up to your solo forwards and backwards before practicing exclusively on the solo itself.

4. Record yourself playing the music several times so you can hear yourself in a more objective light.

5. Inject some of your own personality into your solo. This can be done by listening to recordings of the piece that you have to play or favorite guitar soloists. Play around with improvisation or special fingerings that will help you execute your solo more effectively only after you have learned the music perfectly.

6. Learn some relaxation and meditation techniques to calm yourself before performing.

7. Learn all of the modal scales in all keys and perfect music theory before embarking on any solo ventures.

Tips & Warnings

• Look up major guitar tabs that are utilized in many songs; it will help you throughout your musical explorations.
• If you are playing in a jazz band, then perfect your improvisation skills; you will need to be extremely flexible in your playing.
• Be aware of the rules of the music genre that you will be playing, like classical, blues, jazz, funk or rock. Make sure you are playing in that style to ensure consistency.

Resources

• Find guitar resources at Ultimate Guitar.
• Watch free guitar video lessons at Guitar Master Class.